In-Person Episodes

Jamie Lee Curtis sits down with Questlove for an intimate, funny, and deeply motivating conversation about unlocking your greatness. With her signature candor, Jamie reflects on learning to stop shrinking herself and fully embrace her power—and how a recent connection with Quest helped her see that vision more clearly. In this wide-ranging chat, Jamie shares how she likes to be coached, the surprising lessons she’s learned from her dog, and why she refuses to dwell on the comments. As she prepares for her latest endeavor, Scarpetta, Jamie also opens up about the creative freedom behind projects like Everything Everywhere All at Once, True Lies, A Fish Called Wanda, and The Bear—and what those experiences taught her about trusting the process and owning your voice.

Baz Luhrmann joins Questlove to trace his journey from a rural Australian kid running a roadside radio station to the visionary behind Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge!, and The Great Gatsby. He breaks down his signature style of fusing modern music with classic stories, the chaos and cultural impact of Romeo + Juliet, and collaborations with artists like Radiohead, Elton John, David Bowie, JAY-Z, and Missy Elliott. Baz also discusses the new concert film EPIC (Elvis Presley In Concert), built from newly uncovered rehearsal and performance footage from a pivotal moment in Elvis Presley’s career. Along the way, he reflects on his approach to building immersive creative worlds—and why Elvis’s life and music now sit at the center of two of his most ambitious projects.

On this episode of The Questlove Show, Questlove sits down with Colin Kaepernick live on stage at Web Summit in Qatar for a focused (but abbreviated) conversation about discipline, courage, and purpose. Kaepernick walks through his morning training routine, reflects on his childhood and early athletic ambitions, and examines the influences that shaped his evolution into activism. He speaks about the ongoing work of Know Your Rights Camp, including its response to recent events, and shares how hi...

In a word, this episode is significant—and you'll hear why. A$AP Rocky joins Questlove for a wide-ranging conversation about his upbringing and his ongoing effort to protect moments of normalcy amid fame and fortune. He breaks down the creative vision behind DON’T BE DUMB, including the autobiographical personas he developed with filmmaker Tim Burton. Rocky also reflects on the influence of classic Hip-Hop, why film serves as his vision board, and how Mos Def officially certified the name Lord Pretty Flacko Jodye 2. Toast along, as Rocky and Ahmir connect over life, music, and the art of staying true.

In this special, live-recorded conversation, Questlove sits down with bestselling author and podcast host Malcolm Gladwell at the iHeart Cafe in Cannes, France. The two old friends embark on a wide-ranging, insightful, and humorous discussion that covers everything from Malcolm’s childhood musical experiences, his theory of creativity and genius, and failing as a pathway to success. Through stories of growing up in a multicultural household, creative serendipity, and collaborative critique, Malcolm and Questlove explore how formative experiences shape both art and perspective. They also reflect on the legacy of critical thinking, the modern media landscape, and the impact of AI on truth and storytelling.

Part 2 of the Questlove Supreme Reunion Finale is a celebration of growth, gratitude, and the evolution of Team Supreme. The cohosts reflect on a decade of conversations, chemistry, and collaboration. Suga Steve serenades the crew with a heartfelt karaoke tribute. Phonte opens up about stepping away from recent episodes. Laiya explains how her radio roots helped shape and inform QLS shortly after it launched. Unpaid Bill shares his journey from guest to cohost, and Questlove speaks candidly about the challenges of working closely with friends. This is a joyful farewell to an award-winning squad whose voices, stories, and laughs helped make QLS one of its era's most unique and enduring podcasts.

This QLS is a special one-on-one episode between Team Supreme co-host Suga Steve and acclaimed singer-songwriter-producer Nick Lowe. During an in-depth conversation, Lowe discusses songs from his sprawling catalog—including the newly released Indoor Safari with Los Straitjackets. He recalls making a song he hoped would get him dropped from his label, and why that plan backfired. Nick talks about his expansion into production, his relationship with vinyl, and the importance of the studio. Nick also tells the story of one of his songs, which he wrote two decades before, catching a monetary tailwind on The Bodyguard Soundtrack. This special QLS episode was recorded live at Reservoir Studios and engineered by James Yost.

Part 2 of James Poyer's in-studio conversation with Questlove Supreme celebrates the last 30 years of Black Music. James reflects on experiences working with Erykah Badu, D'Angelo, Common, and Lauryn Hill. He details the genesis of great songs from classic albums. This career lookback includes humor and some insider access.

While the world may have been introduced to her as Willow Smith, the artist now known as WILLOW is actively transforming into her most authentic self. In a one-on-one, in-studio interview with Questlove, WILLOW describes the growth in her music, the drive in her spirit, and the key parts of the journey along the way. This interview celebrates WILLOW's new album "empthogen" and surrounds it with wisdom about creativity, fame, and perception.

Frankie Beverly joins Questlove Supreme for a very special appearance. This rare in-studio conversation finds Team Supreme telling the Philadelphia native about his impact, significance, and ability to provoke joy through music as Frankie reflects on over 50 years of exceptional songs and showmanship.

For 2024 Black History Month, QLS has some special programming. "This is the greatest episode ever," Questlove says during this two-part discussion with Hollywood revolutionary Robert Townsend. Part 1 includes his Chicago upbringing, gift for impersonations, and pursuit to become a working actor in New York. Robert touches on his ascent from minor roles in Cooley High and The Warriors to nearly becoming an SNL cast member. A focal point of Part 1 is Robert detailing how Townsend financed Hollywood Shuffle with a credit card and his word. This conversation with a true visionary is both funny and impactful.

One of the greatest bassists ever joins Questlove Supreme in the studio for a special interview. Pino Palladino discusses his journey from working on hit songs in the 1980s to joining Questlove, D'Angelo, Erykah Badu, and others as a critical figure in the Soulquarians sound in the late 1990s. In the 2000s, he toured with The Who, and continues working with the best in music. Pino discusses his playing style on the fretted bass, his move from Wales to the United States, and some stolen guitars. This episode is for lovers of innovative musicians discussing their craft.

After years of manifesting, Questlove Supreme welcomes Shanice Wilson and Tracie Spencer—together. These two songstresses talk about their overlapping music industry experiences, making songs that define a generation's adolescence and what they have been doing in recent years. This fun in-studio interview checks a bucket list for Team Supreme. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questlove Supreme travels to Atlanta to kick it with some of the city's musical architects. Organized Noize appears in a comprehensive two-parter. In Part 1, Rico Wade, Ray Murray, and Sleepy Brown discuss their approach to sampling, recall the early days of OutKast and the Dungeon Family, and have a few laughs about their formation. This conversation is not to be missed.